The Impact of Premium Printing & Embellishments in Direct Mail

When direct mail is beautifully produced, it stands out from the stack. A thoughtfully designed printed piece not only commands attention but also invites touch, creating a deeper connection with your audience. But if you really want your mail to make an impression, adding premium printing techniques and embellishments—like digital metallics or traditional foil stamping, embossing, soft-touch finishes, or raised clear—can transform an ordinary mailer into something extraordinary.

At Castle Press, we offer a variety of high-end finishing and embellishment options, combined with direct mail services, to help your message shine. Whether you're aiming to increase engagement, drive response, or simply elevate your brand image, our experts can help you achieve powerful results on time and within budget.

How Premium Printing Pays Off in the Real World

The value of premium finishes isn’t just theoretical. In a study conducted by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) with a national car wash brand, two versions of the same postcard were mailed to similar target audiences. One version was printed using digital embellishment with foil and textured coatings. The other was a standard flat print.

Both included barcodes for a free wash, making it easy to track redemptions. The embellished version outperformed the standard version by over 4% in response rate—a meaningful lift that demonstrates how tactile enhancements can influence behavior.

Premium touches don’t just look good—they work. They capture attention, spark curiosity, and prompt action. For businesses sending product launches, loyalty offers, or seasonal promotions, this kind of performance translates directly to a stronger return on investment.

“A big reason embellishments “work”– that is, get people to notice and react to it – has to do with neuroscience,” writes Julie Shaffer, senior vice president of content and programs at WhatTheyThink/Association for PRINT Technologies.

“The human brain reacts differently to print than it does to digital media. Over half of the brain is devoted to processing sensory experience, and much of that sensory receptivity focuses on touch. Studies show that people who touch an object, or even imagine touching it, begin to exhibit a sense of ownership. Foil stamping has been shown to significantly affect consumer attention toward a product compared to the same product without foil, and metallized paper envelopes can boost response rates by as much as 30%. Adding a tactile element like texture, or visual enhancers like foil, to a mail piece will make it stand out and stimulate a haptic response.”

Save While You Shine with USPS Promotions

Here’s even more good news: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) wants to encourage marketers to get creative with mail. Their Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement promotion (running through July 31) can earn you up to 4% in postage savings when you include eligible treatments, such as textured coatings, metallic inks, or special folds.

At Castle Press, we stay up-to-date on USPS promotions and can help you plan and produce qualifying mailings, allowing you to save on postage without sacrificing impact.

Castle Press Direct Mail: Craftsmanship Meets Capability

At Castle Press, we combine the precision of modern print technology with the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. Our direct mail services go beyond basic production—we bring design to life with finishes like:

• Digital and traditional foil finishing, stamping, and embossing

• Raised UV and spot gloss

• Soft-touch and textured coatings

• Unique die cuts, folds, and formats

We’ll help you select the ideal combination of embellishments that suits your message, audience, and budget.

Need help managing the mailing side? We handle everything from list processing and postal optimization to mailing logistics, ensuring your pieces reach the right hands, at the right time, and for the best possible postage rate.

Ready to elevate your mail? Let’s talk about your goals, explore embellishment options, and plan a campaign that stands out in the mailbox—and in your customers' minds.